As the amount of bicyclists increases, the amount of accidents involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like many other car collisions, a number of them occur at intersections. Many of these accidents are the result of motorists that appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roads. They neglect to look out for bicyclists when making turns or moving through intersections.
These types of accidents are worsened by overly large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are endangered by rapidly changing traffic signals that might turn red before they fully cross the intersection.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Several of the most common causes of bicycle collisions involve:
Motorists failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Some motorists may not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with cyclists sharing the roadway. This lack of awareness can be particularly hazardous when a cyclist and a vehicle are sharing the road while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most dangerous areas for cars and cyclists. Intersections are one of the major areas where crashes resulting in devastating injuries take place.
A motorist failing to observe bicyclists when driving
Motorists not seeing a bicyclist on the road is a common reason for an accident involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists should take precautions to minimize this very avoidable cause of bike collisions.
Cyclists can use safety accessories like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored apparel to help reduce the possibility of a collision. Likewise, drivers need to know that cars are not the only vehicles they need to watch out for when driving. Motor vehicle drivers should be particularly careful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a lot of bike commuters.
Drivers encroaching into bike lanes
Even while riding within the boundaries of a bike lane, cyclists should be alert at all times for distracted and reckless drivers. Cars can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of inattention. This can potentially cause a bicyclist to sustain significant injuries.
Bicycle doorings when a driver or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door
As we mentioned above, dooring incidents are a serious threat to cyclists, particularly in urban settings. These incidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can cause devastating injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Practicing defensive riding techniques is the best way for a cyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted drivers hitting a cyclist
Distracted driving is one of the greatest concerns for road safety that we face today. As smartphones have become a huge part of our daily lives, many people find it difficult to set down their phones even while driving. Distracted drivers are clearly a danger to other vehicles. However they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians because they have practically zero protection if they are hit. Somebody that is distracted by texting, eating, or a variety of other things might divert into bike lanes. Also, they may not notice a cyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a bicyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big problem that it's been identified as the leading cause of bicycle crashes involving motor vehicles.
Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists while pulling in and out of driveways or parking lots
When a motorist that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not completely assess their surroundings, it can result in serious consequences for pedestrians and bicyclists. Cyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while people are backing out due to their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup cameras and sensors are beginning to minimize these types of collisions. But drivers can not depend on these technologies instead of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.
How Can I Avoid a Bike Accident?
Following appropriate safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in San Fernando is the best way to prevent collisions and injuries. When moving in traffic, cyclists need to do the following:
How Can I Protect Myself In a Bicycle Accident?
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?
If you get hurt in a bicycle accident, it is essential to do the following:
Contact a San Fernando Bicycle Accident Attorney at Tim D. Wright
If you sustain an injury in an accident with a car while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you should talk to a qualified bicycle accident attorney right away. He or she will help figure out whether you may have a valid personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent motorist.
At Tim D. Wright, our knowledgeable bicycle accident attorneys help bicyclists in pursuing cases against negligent drivers that have caused severe injuries. We know how to receive all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or pursuing a solution through other means.
Get a free consultation with our legal experts
